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Tenacious Defense and Teamwork Lead to Bronze Medal for Mens Goalball
// U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
// May 31, 2006
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Tyler Merren led the U.S. with 13 goals at the 5th International Goalball Tournament.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - In their first competition after the untimely loss of former Head Coach John Bakos, the USA Men's team, sponsored by the National Industries for the Blind, captured the bronze medal at the 5th International Goalball Tournament held in Izola, Slovenia, May 25-28. The U.S. defense allowed the fewest goals in pool competition, and also scored a win over the 2004 Paralympic gold medal team from Denmark. Team USA coupled their tough defense with a strong offensive attack that saw all team members posting numbers to the scoreboard. Tyler Merren (Kalamazoo, Mich.) led the U.S. offensive effort with 13 tournament goals. The team's next competition will be the upcoming 2006 IBSA World Goalball Championships held in Spartanburg, S.C., June 26 - July 2.
Team USA:
Head Coach: Thomas Parrigin St. Augustine, Fla.
Assistant Coach: Michael Lege Elkton, Fla.
Team Leader: John Potts Shiloh, Il.
Chris Dodds Logan, Utah
Tyler Merren Kalamazoo, Mich.
Donte Mickens Tallahassee, Fla.
John Mulhern Lebanan, Pa.
Edward Munro St. Augustine, Fla.
Daryl Walker Jacksonville, Fla.
Goalball is a Paralympic sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Developed after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active, it has become the premier team sport for athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Played competitively by men and women, it is a very fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game.
About USABA: The mission of the United States Association of Blind Athletes is to increase the number and quality of grassroots-through-competitive, world-class athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit our website http://www.usaba.org/.
About NIB: The mission of the National Industries for the Blind is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.
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